The Environment Agency of the United Kingdom has reported a 61 percent aluminum packaging recycling rate for 2019. The weight figure of more than 114,000 metric tons represents a 15 percent increase compared to 2018, according to U.K.-based trade association the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro).
Citing “provisional data published by the Environment Agency” in mid-January, Alupro says the 114,750 metric tons of packaging collected in 2019 surpasses a national target of 112,200 metric tons. The figure includes predominantly used beverage containers (UBC)—which are traditionally recycled at a high rate—and other forms of packaging that are less frequently collected.
“The data clearly demonstrates another impressive increase in the volumes of aluminum packaging collected and recycled,” states Rick Hindley, executive director of Alupro. “We anticipate that the final reported figure will be higher, which has been the case in previous years. It is excellent news that the target has been exceeded and the sustained growth of aluminum packaging recycling continues.”